Mountain Condition Report for the Sierra Nevada over the new year period

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The following mountain condition report was issued by the Junta de Andalucia in their Safety Campaign for the Sierra National Park mountains this winter. Information at December 29, 2011.

Original information in Spanish provided by Mammut Sierra Nevada

All areas
Ice approaching Veleta
Ice, snow, ice, snow and snow crust vented.
Thin snow in lower elevations.

Hoya de la Mora – Veleta
Access Road A-395 cleared.
Snow level: approx. 2300-2600m.
Ice from the Hoya de la Mora
Carihuela bivouac: in good conditions.

Poqueira
Snow level: 2300-2800m, depending slope orientation.
Recommended access to Poqueira Refuge: Central Electric Cebadilla or route of the acequias Access recommended Refugio Caldera from Refugio Poqueira: Rio Mulhacén.
Carihuela bivouac: in good conditions.

Caballo
Access: From Niguelas to Fuentefría in good condition, since there is no ice.
Snow level: approx. 2300-2800m

Genil
Two trees down on the Verada de Estrellas and several landslides on some points of the track and also access to the Cortijo del Hornillo.
Snow from the Majada del Palo and in the Valdecasillas accumulated in some areas.
Snow level: approx. 2300-2600m

Postero Alto – Alhorí
Snow level: approx. 2300-2600m
Snow-free access to the Postero Alto Refugio

Ragua
GR-337 access road and Puerto de la Ragua (2000m.) without snow
Snow level: approx 2300 to 2600m

WARNING: – Essential for ice axe and crampons

RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting any activity
- Do not undertake any activity unless you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
- Try to take the phone battery fully charged
- In adverse conditions dont continue your activity.
- Avoid going out alone, if you do the let people know route and expected time of return

PHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES
- Central Emergency: 112
- Sierra Nevada weather forecasts http://www.aemet.es http://www.meteoexploration.com http://www.eltiempo.es
- Refugio Poqueira: 958343349/958064111/659554224 http://www.refugiopoqueira.com
- Refugio Postero Height: 616506083/958066110 http://www.refugioposteroalto.es
- Dornajo Visitor Centre: 958340625
- Laujar Visitor Centre: 950513548
- Pampaneira Information: 958763127
- Capileira Information: 958763090/686414576